Note that the King in Matthew's Gospel does not order his servants to force anyone into the banquet hall. They are asked to invite them. Upon their response they are viewed as guests and not simply as those who are there to occupy the hall -- to fill empty space. As would be customary, the king takes the time to meet his guests -- even those characters who have made such a recent response and who come from all walks of life.

Our God-given human freedom allows us to make both good choices and bad choices. We are not forced like puppets on a string to pursue and embrace a life of holiness. Rather, we are invited -- and we must make a choice. Our past sins are not meant to cripple us from ever walking into the banquet hall of God. We gain the status of being his guests whom he wishes to meet in a special, personal way.

The first reading from Isaiah paints a beautiful picture of the banquet the Lord will prepare and the comfort and protection He will provide to his holy people. Further, the 23rd Psalm balances the lopsided priorities spoken about above. The Lord will provide what we need. Our job is to be responsive to his call and holy.